Anti-war activists demanding an end to the war in Gaza and US support for Israel intend to surround The White House as part of a protest over the weekend. This required fences to be placed around the building of the American presidency, reported Reuters, quoted by BTA.
Human rights and activist organizations such as CODEPINK and the Council on American-Islamic Relations announced yesterday that demonstrations are planned for today to mark the eighth month of Israel's ongoing war on Gaza tens of thousands of victims and caused mass starvation and devastation.
In the US, Israel's most important ally, pro-Palestinian protests are regularly organized, ranging from marches in Washington and vigils around the White House to blocking bridges, roads, train stations and airports in various cities and setting up tent camps on university campuses.
At least eight officials in President Joe Biden's administration have resigned in disagreement with his policies. His pre-election events also became the target of anti-war protests. The President is currently on an official visit to France.
"Due to events scheduled for later this week in Washington, D.C., that have the potential to attract large crowds, additional security measures have been taken in the White House compound area,'' a Secret Service spokesman said.
Pro-Palestinian protests at universities have periodically turned violent, forcing police to make arrests and remove tent camps. A few weeks ago, anti-war activists demonstrating at UCLA were attacked by an angry mob.
Because of the conflict in Gaza, fears of the rise of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia are also increasing.
The war in the Palestinian enclave broke out on October 7, when the Islamist group "Hamas" attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 hostage, according to Israeli figures.
Swedish eco-activist Greta Thunberg took part in a protest in Bonn, in which participants demanded action against climate change and condemned Israel's military campaign in the Gaza Strip, DPA reported, quoted by BTA.
The demonstration “Kick the big polluters“ was organized by a collective of environmental and human rights organizations.
In addition to climate demands, pro-Palestinian chants and placards were a major feature of the demonstration. Some of those present held placards with the words “Free Palestine”.
Thunberg raised her fist and joined the protest chants of about 70 participants.
Police said there were multiple demonstrations in Bonn, where a UN climate meeting is being held. The talks pave the way for the big COP29 meeting in Baku in November.
Thunberg has expressed solidarity with the Palestinians on several occasions. Her comments led to criticism from those who believed she downplayed the massacres carried out by the Palestinian extremist movement “Hamas” on October 7 in southern Israel.
The German branch of the “Fridays for the Future“ Thunberg distanced herself from her statements.
In May, she was taken away by the police during a protest against Israel's participation in the “Eurovision” in Malmö.